Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper told the Knesset in Jerusalem on Tuesday that his country supported Israel and would not tolerate efforts to delegitimize the Jewish state's right to exist.
Harper was the first Canadian leader ever to address the Israeli parliament. “To truly understand the ties between Canada and Israel one must go beyond the institutions and look at the ties between peoples," Harper said. "Jews have been present in Canada for more than 250 years... 350,000 Canadians share with you their heritage. They are immensely proud of what was accomplished here. Canada supports Israel fundamentally because it is right to do so. We stand up for a free and democratic Jewish state,” the told Israeli lawmakers.
He also expressed support for the two-state solution and the establishment of a Palestinian state. "I believe that a Palestinian state will come when the people will realize that peace is the way," Harper said.
Harper lamented international attempts to delegitimize Israel. “Canada finds it horrible that there are those in the international community who challenge Israel’s legitimate right to exist. That with one solitary Jewish state among many others, it is all too easy to isolate Israel. People who would never say they hate and blame the Jews for their own failings or the problems of the world instead declare their hatred of Israel and blame the only Jewish state for the problems of the Middle East," he declared.
Referring to the BDS campaign against Israel, the Canadian leader said: "Some civil-society leaders today call for a boycott of Israel.... Most disgracefully of all, some openly call Israel an apartheid state. Think about that. Think about the twisted logic and outright malice behind that. A state, based on freedom, democracy and the rule of law, that was founded so Jews can flourish as Jews, and seek shelter from the shadow of the worst racist experiment in history," he said.
"Through fire and water, Canada will stand with you [Israel]," Harper said echoing a prayer that is said on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.
He was also very firm on the issue of Iran. "Canada's sanctions against Iran will stay in place," the Canadian leader vowed.
The speech was welcomed by standing ovations from most parliamentarians, but Harper was heckled by two Arab lawmakers who later walked out of the Knesset chamber.
Back home, representatives of the Jewish community of Canada praised Harper's speech. “It was a validation of the challenges that Israel faces on the world stage, often being held to standards of no other nation,” said Steve McDonald, spokesperson for the Center for Israel and Jewish Affairs in Toronto. “It was deeply appreciated by the Jewish community.”
